Just Africa

2011-12-22T16:42:00.001+11:00

Christmas 2011

2011-11-26T14:36:00.001+11:00

Lots of goodies now in stock for Christmas. To see more pictures: click here

New Arrivals - Ceramics

2011-11-15T17:10:00.001+11:00

Famous in Morocco and around the world for the quality of its ceramic pottery, Safi is a small town steeped in history, on the edge of the Atlantic coast.

Safi boasts the oldest pottery kilns in Morocco, and the potters there are well known for their plates, vases and bowls, hand-decorated in vivid colours.

In spite of mechanical production methods being available, all of the pieces are still made and decorated by hand in the traditional way, and are a major source of income for Safi.

To see an overview of our newly arrived batch of Moroccan ceramics, click here or visit us instore for more.

New Arrivals - Jewellery

2011-11-06T14:28:00.000+11:00

Mixed metal bangles and adjustable rings from South Africa back in stock. Click here to see the full range of bangles, or click here to see rings.

New Arrivals - Market Baskets

2011-11-05T11:58:00.003+11:00

To see more click here

We will be closed...

2011-10-29T18:05:00.001+11:00

... Sunday 30th October, Monday 31st October & Tuesday 1st November for a family wedding and the Melbourne Cup. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Recycled Plastic Bangles

2011-09-03T16:52:00.000+10:00

These bangles are from Burkina Faso in West Africa. They are made from strips of recycled plastic wound round an inner core, and they're super comfy to wear because they are very light.

To see more visit the Bracelets & Bangles page of our website.

New Arrivals - Baskets

2011-08-17T12:01:00.000+10:00

Market Baskets from Ghana

To see more, click here

Issa Bagayogo - Diarabi

2011-08-13T11:25:00.001+10:00

What we're listening to at the moment... from the album 'Sya' :)

Esther Mahlangu's BMW Art Car

2011-08-02T10:39:00.007+10:00

Here's something that combines two of our loves, African Art and cars that we can't afford :)

The BMW Art Car Project was introduced by French racecar driver and auctioneer Hervé Poulain in 1975. He wanted artists to create works using cars as canvasses. In 1991, Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu was invited to paint a prototype of the new BMW 525i.

The Ndebele of South Africa have a long standing tradition of painting their houses (externally and internally) in bold geometric patterns. This tradition is extended to their beadwork, which is used for personal adornment and to decorate a variety of functional items.

Esther's car was the first in the collection to be decorated by a woman artist; and she joined a prestigious international line-up of artists including Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Ken Done and Roy Lichtenstein.

To see some Ndebele beadwork click here / Pictures courtesy: http://www.bmwartcarcollection.com/

Whose fault is famine?

2011-07-22T16:46:00.000+10:00

The Irish Famine of the 1840s had terrible consequences: 1 million people died and several million left Ireland. Today the world is watching as millions in Africa face a similar fate: starvation in the midst of plenty. Dr David Nally’s analysis of what happened in his native Ireland less than two centuries ago reveals some shocking parallels with what is happening in Africa. To read more click here

New Arrivals - Jewellery

2011-07-02T16:15:00.005+10:00

New style of adjustable brass ring just arrived with six different colours to choose from. To see more, click here

New Arrivals - Baskets from Senegal

2011-06-18T15:22:00.008+10:00

In the nation of Senegal, West Africa, women are creating a new style of basket to suit contemporary designer interiors, using indigenous grass and strips of recycled plastic. The result is a beautiful, subtle merging of modern materials and traditional weaving skills. To see more, click here

SALE 16th - 30th June

2011-06-15T16:22:00.010+10:00

20% off everything, excluding window stock and already discounted items

We are CLOSED Sun 12th & Mon 13th June

2011-06-11T14:26:00.004+10:00

We will be closed on Sunday 12th and Monday 13th June to attend a wedding :) Apologies for any inconvenience - we'll be back on Tuesday with new window arrangements and a new line from Senegal.

Green Cat's Eye Jewellery

2011-05-24T11:49:00.003+10:00

If you’ve ever coveted a piece of our green cat’s eye jewellery, now is the time to buy, as our supplier has discontinued this colour. We have extremely limited stock remaining.

InStyle Magazine

2011-05-19T11:21:00.000+10:00

Linen House Winter Collection

2011-05-17T15:45:00.003+10:00

Our baskets adorn the set of the Rafiya range from Linen House's Winter 2011 Collection. To see our range of baskets, click here

New Arrivals - Baskets

2011-05-03T11:38:00.007+10:00

Baskets from Rwanda

To see more click here

2011 Logie Awards

2011-05-01T11:44:00.011+10:00

Samantha Armytage rocked our jewellery on the red carpet - and main stage - when Seven News took out the Logie Award last night for 'Most Outstanding News Coverage'

Sam wore a Princess Charlotte navy one shoulder gown accessorized with Just Africa jewellery and a Bally snake skin clutch. To see our jewellery range, click here.

Ngoma Za Kongo

2011-04-16T16:50:00.005+10:00

Ngoma Za Kongo from Congo Brazzaville will be on tour in the US from May 2011. Contact the tour organizer, Karim Camara of the African Culture Centre in New York, for more details.

New Arrivals - Homewares

2011-04-09T16:37:00.003+10:00

Mudcloth Table Runners

To see more click here

Wooden Bowls

To see more click here

Salad Servers

To see more click here

Just Africa featured on the John Elliott Report

2011-03-31T10:45:00.003+11:00

Very happy to be featured in a short film on the John Elliott Report! Click here to watch the film :)

New Arrivals - Music

2011-03-29T11:34:00.004+11:00

New musical instruments just arrived! Thumb pianos from Tanzania and woven shakers from Ghana. To see more, click here.

New Arrivals - Baskets

2011-03-24T15:17:00.008+11:00

Market Baskets from Ghana

To see more, click here

Flavours Festival

2011-03-23T12:29:00.002+11:00

We had a fantastic time at the Flavours Festival last weekend. This was life as it should be, everyone having a lot of fun and sharing some of the best aspects of their cultures - amongst other things, great music and dance; amazing paper animals from the Prahran Chinese Women's Group, karate demonstrations and yummy foods from around the world! Pictured above are the Anbessa Gebrehiwot Trio from Ethiopia.

Flavours Festival

2011-03-18T10:22:00.004+11:00

We will be exhibiting at Flavours tomorrow!

Saturday 19 March 2011, 11am-4pm

Grattan Gardens, Grattan St, Prahran

This is a FREE event

Be invigorated and inspired by the sights, sounds and tastes on offer as we celebrate Stonnington’s cultural diversity. Bring the family and share in the uplifting and cosmopolitan atmosphere this festival offers.

Enjoy some of the best Victorian multicultural music and dance performances
Sample sweet and savoury cuisines from around the globe
Check out unique cultural performances from local community groups
Wander the market stalls showcasing arts and crafts from a range of cultures
Have fun with children’s activities including multi-lingual storytelling, painting and origami
Join in a game of mah-jong, or try your hand at calligraphy
Have your tea leaves read or indulge in a Thai massage

The Age: Sunday Life Magazine

2011-03-15T15:33:00.008+11:00

We love this bright, bold page from last weekend's Sunday Life Magazine, featuring our baskets and bangles!

Telephone Wire Basket

(see our Decorative Baskets page for more)

Sisal Basket by Busisiwe Dlamini

(see our Decorative Baskets page for more)

Square Telephone Wire Basket

(see our Decorative Baskets page for more)

Telephone Wire Bangle

(see our Bracelets & Bangles page for more)

The Last Lions

2011-03-12T10:31:00.005+11:00

For every view of The Last Lions trailer on YouTube, National Geographic will donate 10c to big cat conservation in Botswana. Only 190,786 views so far and they want 1,000,000!

International Women's Day - African Women

2011-03-08T15:17:00.006+11:00

To celebrate International Women's Day we've created a list featuring one woman from each of the African countries. From Presidents, Nobel Prize winners & international karate judges to women with really long names - try 'Rabodoandrianampoinimerina' - the list is far from exhaustive. Do you have any suggestions for African women we can add to the list? Click here to go to the list.

www.inhindsight.com.au

2011-02-22T13:39:00.007+11:00

Thanks to www.inhindsight.com.au our ads are now appearing across their website. We love their Zebra branding! The site is an invaluable resource if you live in Melbourne's Inner East or Bayside suburbs and are planning to sell your home.

If you are planning to sell your home, styling your property for sale is an essential element that some vendors overlook or deem a waste of money. However, home presentation is actually geared towards creating a return on your investment - so you will recoup the money spent on presenting your property, plus extra. Spending 1% of your sale price on styling, should, on average, net you a 3% increase in sale price.

Why not visit us for a range of statement art pieces, homewares and soft furnishings? We also make custom display solutions for all types of artwork (not necessarily African) so you can make full use of items you already have, by presenting them to their best advantage.

Mention inhindsight.com.au for a 15% discount. Offer ends 31/03/11 and excludes sale items and custom display items.

The Essence of African Art

2011-02-15T15:08:00.000+11:00

Click here to read an excerpt from 'Nobody Knows My Name' by James Baldwin. We think he makes some important points about the hot topic of authenticity in African Art. We'd love to know what you think. What makes a piece of art authentic to you?

Melbourne Theatre Company

2011-02-11T12:57:00.007+11:00

Fantastic pics from the Melbourne Theatre Company's 2011 Season Programme, featuring one of our Dan masks.

New Range - Jewellery by Chris Harvey

2011-01-22T13:59:00.005+11:00

These fabulous necklaces are handmade by South African designer Chris Harvey. Chris combines gemstones and materials such as coral and glass, with hand-coiled wire to create stylistically unique, contemporary designs. For further details click here to visit the Necklaces section of our website.

New Range - Stainless Steel Salad Servers

2011-01-21T11:45:00.001+11:00

These clean-cut contemporary salad servers are made from a combination of brushed and polished stainless steel. The range features Elephant, Giraffe, Hippo, Lion and Rhino designs, alongside more unusual animals such as Chameleons, and my favourite design, the Porcupine! Which is your favourite? To see the whole range, click here

Sale

2011-01-06T14:52:00.003+11:00

Sale ends 4pm Sunday 23 January

Special Offer

2010-12-02T15:00:00.006+11:00

SPECIAL OFFER, TODAY ONLY. Asymetrical brass bangle 50% OFF. Usually $40, now $20. Offer available instore or online. * Offer ends 7.30pm AEST 02/12/10 or while stocks last.

African Geography Quiz

2010-11-25T12:30:00.004+11:00

It's Geography Awareness Week, so here's a fun African geography quiz. Click here to take the quiz!

10 Questions with Rik-E-Ragga and G9er

2010-11-24T12:06:00.006+11:00

G9er (pictured above left) and Rik-E-Ragga (pictured above right)

Check our interview with X-Factor contestants Rik-E-Ragga and G9er - doing Mauritius and Australia proud! Click here to read the full interview.

Last episode of 'An African Journey'

2010-11-23T11:57:00.008+11:00

Don't miss the last episode of 'An African Journey' - tonight 8.30pm ABC1! If you missed it, catch it again on ABC iView.

Late Night Shopping

2010-11-17T13:00:00.003+11:00

We'll be open until 7.30pm tomorrow, and every Thursday up until Christmas. Don't forget we have plenty of free parking on the roof. Or shop online from home!

ABC1: An African Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby

2010-11-16T12:57:00.005+11:00

Don't forget ABC1 8.30pm tonight - the second part of Jonathan Dimbleby's 'African Journey.' This time Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. If you missed it, catch it again on ABC iView.

Grazia Magazine: Issue 114

2010-11-16T12:50:00.006+11:00

Very happy to have some of our jewellery - a traditional Zulu choker from South Africa, and a Masai bracelet from Kenya - featured in Grazia magazine. With their bright colours and geometric designs, beadwork is the perfect summer/beachwear accessory! But do take them off before you go for a swim.

Model (below) wears traditional Zulu bead necklace and Masai bracelet.

Shop This: http://www.justafrica.com.au/product.asp?categoryID=26&productID=1001&catpage=3 and http://www.justafrica.com.au/product.asp?categoryID=24&productID=1130&catpage=6

ABC1: An African Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby

2010-11-10T10:57:00.009+11:00

Watched a good programme last night on ABC1 - the first episode of 'An African Journey.' The series aims to show a side of Africa that is so often forgotten, but too important to ignore... we couldn't agree more! What do you think? For those of you in Australia who missed it, you can catch it again on ABC iView.

NEW ARRIVALS - Sisal Baskets

2010-11-08T10:52:00.009+11:00

AMAZING new Gallery Quality sisal baskets from Swaziland! Shop This: http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=22

Sisal Basket by Busisiwe Tsabetse

Celebrate Africa Exhibition

2010-10-30T10:42:00.003+11:00

Celebrate Africa
November 6 - 21

Celebrate Africa this festive season with a spectacular array of handmade goods from over two dozen African countries. Sourced directly by gallery owners Laraine, Cecil and Annwen Joffe, from Fair Trade co-operatives, rural communities and individual artisans, the collection is inspired by works that transcend traditional craft to become gallery art.

The exhibition showcases baskets from the Master Weavers of Southern Africa, exquisitely hand embroidered textiles, contemporary beaded animals, handmade jewellery, prints and soft furnishings, alongside traditional Tribal Art and original gifts for all.

Each artist contributes their own individuality to the designs featured, making this exhibition a unique and diverse window into the skill and creativity of modern-day Africa.

Purchasing from the exhibition supports communities in Africa and creates employment in areas where there are few job opportunities. Give gifts that give twice this Christmas.

Shopping cart now online!

2010-10-29T14:37:00.003+11:00

You can now securely shop online, from anywhere in the world!

New Arrivals - Silver Plated Earrings

2010-10-21T16:16:00.002+11:00

To see the full range visit: http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=25&page=1

New Arrivals - Adjustable Brass and Copper Rings

2010-10-20T17:01:00.004+11:00

To see the full range visit: http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=25

The Mpumudde 4sq Church Worship Band from Jinja, Uganda

2010-09-28T16:10:00.003+10:00

You can see a great range of traditional instruments in this video - African harps or Ngoni; box thumb pianos, ingenious shakers made out of recycled materials and a beautiful Ugandan drum.

Great new range of Greetings Cards just arrived!

2010-09-24T16:21:00.003+10:00

For more details see our Gift Ideas page.

AfroCubsim

2010-09-20T14:50:00.006+10:00

This specially made short film provides an exclusive look at the making of the most eagerly anticipated release in world music. This collaboration of the finest musicians from Cuba and Mali features Eliades Ochoa, Bassekou Kouyate, Djelimady Tounkara, and Toumani Diabate, and sees the realisation of the project that inadvertently became the Buena Vista Social Club.

Herald Sun - Sunday Magazine

2010-09-14T13:41:00.005+10:00

Just Africa was very happy to be featured in a fashion shoot for the Herald Sun Sunday Magazine recently. Featured was our brass and copper geometric necklace.

Now stocking the Guide to Ethical Supermarket Shopping!

2010-08-18T13:02:00.002+10:00

We are now stockists of the Guide to Ethical Supermarket Shopping. This handy 80-page pocket-size guide helps you avoid companies that are socially and environmentally unsound during your everyday shopping. Copies of the guide are $6.00 each.

World Cup Competition Winners!

2010-07-27T12:59:00.004+10:00

Congratulations to the winners of our World Cup Competition! The following lucky people each win a Fair Trade Jinta Sport soccer ball worth $39.50.

Adam (Armadale, VIC) Cameron (Rowville, VIC) Carole (South Yarra, VIC) Justin (Melbourne, VIC) Maddalena (Armadale, VIC) Megan (Ryde, NSW) Michael (Oakleigh, VIC) Michael (Taylors Lakes, VIC) Michael (Malvern, VIC) Peter (Richmond, VIC)

The great thing about Jinta Sport soccer balls is that they are certified Fair Trade. No child labour is used in their production, and the purchase of these balls helps fund community projects in third world countries and sports programmes for Aboriginal children in Australia. For more information click here

SALE July 17th - July 31st

2010-07-17T16:51:00.003+10:00

SALE

July 17th - 31st

30% OFF Heidi Lange artwork

Prices start at $101.50

30% OFF Brass & Copper Jewellery

All earrings $24.50; bangles start at $24.50, necklaces start at $35

20% OFF all other sale items

Baskets, Beadwork, Candleholders, Cushions, Dolls, Giraffes, Gifts, Jewellery, Stone Carvings, Textiles

10% OFF Moroccan Ceramics

Prices start at $21.60

-----

NEW STOCK

Kuba textiles from the Congo

NEW - Fluffy Necklaces

2010-06-21T15:33:00.009+10:00

These beautiful necklaces are created from clusters of glass beads attached to a material cord. Available in a variety of colours, they are super comfy to wear. Some colour combinations are one-offs, so for the best selection, visit us soon.

World Cup Competition - WIN a Fair Trade Jinta Sports soccer ball worth $37.50!

2010-06-11T14:58:00.004+10:00

The 2010 World Cup, featuring teams from Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, of course Australia, starts today!

Click on the image below for your chance to win a Fair Trade Jinta Sports soccer ball worth $37.50!

NEW - Trade Bead Bracelets

2010-05-15T16:50:00.002+10:00

These bracelets are made from various beads, and each one features a small brass charm. They are strung on elastic, so one size fits all. For more information on African trade beads see below, or click here to purchase.

The use of beads as a form of currency originated in the 16th century, when the Venetian Empire spread its trading links to West Africa. At the time there was no standard form of value, as trade was generally enacted by barter.

The Venetians introduced beads made in Murano, Italy, that attempted to equate to a set system of value according to their varied sizes, patterns and colours.

The system worked well, and soon the beads were adopted as a standard form of exchange, enabling goods to be bought and sold at fixed, agreed prices. Thus gold was priced at so many beads, cocoa at so many, cloth at so many, etc. The standard measure for a string of beads was the length of a man’s arm.

Africans soon started to produce their own beads, thereby adding to the scale of available currency. Again, beads had a set value according to their type, and each bead type had a specific name.

The system of Trade Beads eventually came to an end after the 2nd World War, when West African countries achieved independence from colonial rule, and required coins and notes, in order to join the western countries in having the amenities of a modern state.

Today the beads still maintain their value, as collectors, jewellers and bead shops seek the variety and colour that are the hallmark of Trade Beads. It is not unusual for older beads to fetch a hundred dollars each if they are in good condition.

Stonnington Leader - News

2010-05-07T12:43:00.004+10:00

Click on the image to read the full article

Fair Trade Fortnight

2010-05-01T14:31:00.002+10:00

Fair Trade Fortnight is Australia and New Zealand's biggest annual celebration of all things Fair Trade.

Making the change to Fair Trade products can make a huge difference to the lives of people in developing countries – giving them access to fair prices and money to invest in everyday things for their communities, such as education and healthcare.

So whether it’s your daily coffee, afternoon cuppa, chocolate treat or even the Mother's Day gift you give – make the swap to Fair Trade and help create a better and brighter future for families across the globe.

Melbourne Weekly - See & Do

2010-04-29T10:44:00.002+10:00

Evidence of the first modern humans in North Africa

2010-04-17T11:34:00.006+10:00

Modern man inhabited North Africa 40,000 years earlier than previously thought. Archaeologists have made the discovery using new dating technologies - such as optical stimulated luminescence, which essentially measures the last time a grain of quartz saw the light of day. To read the full article click here

Magic Africa Exhibition

2010-04-15T14:41:00.006+10:00

Heidi Lange

Magic Africa

April 24 - May 8

at Just Africa

UNESCO prize winner Heidi Lange is an artist who has succumbed to Africa's magic and now, in turn, enchants us with her artwork of an unspoilt Africa. Having lived in Kenya's beautiful Rift Valley for over 30 years, her romanticised and stylised work is inspired by a fascination with the African tribes and their cultural traditions.

This collection of silk screen prints shows Heidi's special affinity for the famous Masai, who roam the Serengeti plains; for the women of Kenya with their elaborate personal adornment, and for the bountiful animals and plants of the savannah.

Heidi is a UNESCO, UNEP, Festival due Mondi and Golden Minerva prize winner. She has Public Works at SIDA's headquarters in Stockholm, at the Seronera and Wildenstein's Lodges in Tanzania, and at Africana in Tokyo. She has exhibited world-wide, in places as diverse as Paris and Milan, to Cartagena, Colombia.

To see more of Heidi's work click here

...or for any further information, contact Annwen on 9824 8750

Sydney Morning Herald - Essential Style

2010-04-08T10:47:00.006+10:00

Featured above: Zulu Basket by Linden Jele SOLD and Dan Mask $790
Click on the image to read the full article

Grazia Magazine Feature: Issue 83

2010-03-28T14:52:00.007+11:00

Featured above: Clip Bangle $35, Beaded Wide Bangles $39, Skinny Bangles $15. Also Choker $45 (not visible) and Necklace $49

Featured above: Earrings $35 and Cuff Bangle $45

Featured above: Cuff Bangle $45 and Cuff Bangle $40

Telephone Wire Bangles - 20% OFF Special

2010-03-23T18:19:00.043+11:00

(Picture source: dvf.com)

Diane Von Furstenberg's Spring 2010 Collection featured stacks of candy coloured telephone wire bangles.

We are offering 20% off all telephone wire bangles until the end of April (or while stocks last) if you mention this Blog.

Large 50mm bangles were $49, now $39

Medium 30mm bangles were $39, now $31

Narrow 15mm bangles were $29, now $23

To see our telephone wire bangles click here

Magic Africa Exhibition - Extended Dates

2010-03-18T13:39:00.004+11:00

Heidi Lange

Magic Africa

18 March - 2 May

Matt's Bar @ Yering Station

We're pleased to say that the exhibition of Heidi Lange's work at Yering Station will now continue for an extended period in Matt's Bar (upstairs from the Cellar Door)

About 30 prints will remain on show. Admission is free, and a 30% commission from all sales are donated to the Leukaemia Auxiliary of the Royal Children's Hospital.

To see more of Heidi's work click here

Matt's Bar @ Yering Station

(Picture source: yering.com)

Yering Station

38 Melba Highway

Yarra Glen

VIC 3775

(Melways Ref. 275, B6)

Opening Hours

10am - 5pm weekdays

10am - 6pm weekends

Contact Details

Savaad Felich

Exhibition Coordinator - Yering Station Art Gallery

(03) 9730 0102

Autumn Fashion Trend - Leopard Print

2010-03-08T15:19:00.015+11:00

"Animal print is a key trend. We are showcasing leopard for autumn -
pieces in this print will update a look instantly"

Ana Maria Escobar - Creative Director, Oroton

(Source: Grazia: Issue 78 Feb 2010)

Gold Tiger's Eye Cut Out Bangle $40

Leopard Disc Necklace $55
Matching earrings & bangle available

Asymetric Bangle $40
Matching earrings and necklace available

To see more click here

Magic Africa Exhibition

2010-03-01T11:52:00.038+11:00

Heidi Lange

Magic Africa

5 February - 14 March

Yering Station Art Gallery

Just Africa is proud to represent award-winning artist Heidi Lange in Australia. Over 70 of Heidi's works are currently on display at the Yering Station Art Gallery.

Admission is free, and a 30% commission from all sales are donated to the Leukaemia Auxiliary of the Royal Children's Hospital.

To see more of Heidi's work click here

Yering Station
38 Melba Highway
Yarra Glen
VIC 3775
(Melways Ref. 275, B6)

Opening Hours
10am - 5pm weekdays
10am - 6pm weekends

Contact Details
Savaad Felich
Exhibition Coordinator - Yering Station Art Gallery
(03) 9730 0102

Welcome to Just Africa's new Blog!

2010-03-01T11:04:00.000+11:00